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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 23 (IANS) Kerala is bracing for a spell of heavy rain after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday revised its forecast and raised the alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts from yellow to orange.
Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam will remain under yellow alert as heavy rains continue in many parts of the state.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has announced that warning sirens will be activated in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam as part of the KaWaCHam automated warning system.
Officials said the sirens are intended to alert residents about the possibility of intense rainfall and ensure preparedness in sensitive areas.
The orange alert indicates a possibility of 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm rainfall within 24 hours, while the yellow alert indicates a possibility of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm rainfall within 24 hours.
The IMD said the strengthening of the cyclonic circulation over the south-east Arabian Sea is likely to cause continuous heavy rain, lightning, thunderstorm and gusty winds up to 40 kmph over Kerala till November 26.
According to the latest forecast, heavy rainfall ranging from 7 cm to 11 cm in 24 hours is likely at one or two places over Kerala from November 22 to 26, as well as over Lakshadweep on November 22 and 23.
There is also a possibility of thunderstorm and lightning in both the areas during this period. Mandal-Makaravilakku season is underway, Sabarimala pilgrims have been advised to remain alert, with moderate rain predicted at Sannidanam, Pampa and Nilakkal on Sunday.
Fishermen off Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts have been advised not to venture into the sea from Sunday to Tuesday as strong winds reaching speeds of 35-55 kmph could create dangerous conditions.
Those already engaged in deep sea fishing have been directed to return to the nearest coast by Tuesday.
The IMD has also warned of rough sea conditions due to the ongoing cyclonic circulation. Fishermen have been asked to stay away from south Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, Andaman Sea and southeast and adjoining Bay of Bengal till Wednesday.
IMD has issued district-wise yellow alert for the coming days: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki on November 23; Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Palakkad and Malappuram on November 24; Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam on 25 November; And Thiruvananthapuram on 26 November.
Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains.
–IANS
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